Just starting the fourth week of a nasty exacerbation, what to expect

[johnderby]

Hi all. Any help appreciated just had three weeks steroids and antibiotics, now got an emergency appointment with a Complex COPD specialist. Feeling really rough, any ideas on how they might help?

[2greys]

Probably a sputum sample, to be tested to find the right antibiotic to give you, or even investigated to find out if it is indeed a bacterial infection, not viral or even fungal. Nothing to worry about.

[johnderby in reply to 2greys]

Thanks for that.

[Daisytime]

Hi Johnderby, I was really unwell back n February and close to dialing 999 as I could not breath. I have a feeling it may have been the virus but I guess I will never know. However 3 emergency packs later I still needed my Ventolin every 3 hours to get by. I called the doc for advice and he put me on another inhaler called Duoresp spiriva which made a big difference. I hardly use Ventolin now. Hang on in there I am sure they will sort you out. Regards Daisy

[Beth1949]

They should be able to help you. They should do an x-ray and a CTscan to see what's going on in your lungs. It wasn't until I had a CTscan done that I was diagnosed with Broncheictasis (like COPD but with weakening of the major air ways).

With the right mix of meds, it should help. It may take months or years to find the right mix.

I have found out from this forum, that not only having the right mix of meds, but other changes in a person's lifestyle helps. I felt sick for the last 10 years I was working (numerous er visits, hospital stays and bronchoscopies). It was a stressful job, but I loved my job, so my job came first. After I retired (five yrs ago), there was a lot less stress, we moved to an area of the country with better air quality. We moved into a newly built house (no chance of hidden mold). I started watching what I ate (food allergies). Since all of this has taken place, I've been able to cut back on meds and haven't had an er visit, hospital stay or a bronchoscopy.

Certain vitamins or minerals help too. I take Turmeric w/pepper every day due to it's anti-inflammatory properties. Some people use salt lamps or go to salt caves (I have noticed that when I'm near an ocean (salt water), I breath better.

Take control and find some answers, Beth